Morris Whisky lands in UK
Australian whisky brand Morris has introduced its Signature and Muscat Barrel whiskies to the UK via distributor Mangrove Global.
Morris whiskies are made from 100% local Australian ingredients before being finished in award-winning Morris casks that have been used to age fortified wines. Furthermore, Darren Peck, formerly of Diageo, has been appointed as Morris head distiller having worked under the tutelage of John McDougall, one of the world’s most renowned whisky makers, for the last seven years. Peck said: “Morris Whisky is a true expression of our home in Rutherglen, Australia. Launching in the UK is a huge leap for us, one that’s exciting and loaded with opportunities to bring an authentic taste of Australian whisky to the UK market, working alongside our distributor Mangrove. “Our distinct fortified wine barrels add a unique flavour dynamic to the portfolio, sourced from multi award-winning Morris family-owned wineries in the Barossa and Coonawarra regions.” The eponymous Morris family have been making award-winning fortified wines since 1859, spanning more than six generations. The family is regarded as one the best fortified wine producers in the world. At the heart of Morris’s whisky distillation process is the original still installed at the Morris site in the early 1930s, when it was used for producing base spirits for Morris fortified wines. It has been restored after decades of inactivity, and has been named Aurora in a nod to the princess in Sleeping Beauty. Distillation and maturation Morris Whisky is twice distilled through a hybrid copper pot and a column still, and is aged in ex-Shiraz and ex-Cabernet wine barrels selected from family-owned wineries in the Barossa and Coonawarra regions of Australia. Each barrel is prepared by hand to a customised shaving and toasting method at its private cooperage. This allows for optimal maturation in the local climate of hot summer days and cool nights of the Rutherglen region. The whisky is finished in Morris fortified wine casks, which impart the 'unique' Morris of Rutherglen flavour profile. Morris Australian Single Malt Signature Whisky is aged in a combination French and American oak ex-wine barrels, and finished in a combination of Morris fortified barrels. It is bottled at 40% ABV and is described as a well-rounded spirit that balances sweet, floral, and biscuit aromas with the richness and warmth of caramel, marzipan, and dark berry flavours. It won a Gold medal in The World Whisky Masters 2022. It is available to purchase via Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange for RRP £51 (US$63). Morris Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whisky is also available from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange for RRP £74 (US$92). The whisky is said to offer a creamy mouthfeel packed with rich dark fruits and sweet malt notes, which give way to sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice. The whisky was matured in a combination of French and American oak ex-wine barrels, and finished in rare Morris Muscat barrels. It won a Gold medal in The Luxury Masters 2022. Nick Gillett, managing director at Mangrove Global, commented: “As the demand for new and interesting whiskies from non-traditional regions continues to explode, Mangrove looks to bring brands into the family which really encourage both the trade and consumers to explore the category. “The effect of climate and territory in whisky continues to be something which adds to the whisky conversation alongside traditional variables of grain type, ageing and cask finishing; we think Morris is the perfect blend of the old and new world.” To read our interview with Darren Peck, head to page 37 of The Global Spirits Masters Competitions Yearbook.
